There is profound beauty in the simple. A lone flower bursting through an early spring snowfall; a flock of geese flying south for the winter; or a single rose on an otherwise ordinary bush. The power of simplicity should never be overlooked - some of the most lasting and powerful messages are conveyed through simple means.

When designing presentations for any size audience, from 1 to 1000+, the ability to communicate important (even complex) information in a simple way can be extremely powerful. I’m the first to admit my tendency to make a presentation “intellectual or slick” in an attempt to impress an audience. However, I have learned over time that my attempts come up short when I neglect to keep it simple. Sure, I may have used big words and impressive charts and graphs, and even threw in a few timely and sometimes humorous anecdotes. But, in the end, did they walk away with the key information I was trying to relay? Probably not.

What I have found is that for me to be at my best and to convey powerful messages, I have to keep it simple.

What are the 3-4 points that I want my audience to take home? Too many points can make it difficult for me, and the audience, to stay focused.

What is the best image or case that I can use to convey each of those points? Find something that they connect to – make it stick!

Can I create a compelling story that reinforces my points and leaves a lasting impression? Identify why it’s important and why they should care.

Whether I’m giving a keynote presentation or explaining to my five-year-old why she has to clean up after she plays, the same principals apply.

If the goal is to be profound, to say words or convey ideas that will make the deepest impact, we must keep it simple.

Who We Are

William Singleton, DVM, ACLAM, Dipl.

A board certified laboratory animal veterinarian having over 15 years
experience working in the laboratory animal field. He has over 7 years
experience in the development and implementation of training programs in
the pharmaceutical industry and academic institutions. William is an
active member of the laboratory animal community and professional
organization that promotes the health and well being of research
animals. His strong passion and vision for quality training has been
part of the driving force behind the creation of ACTS.

Paula Clifford, MLA, RLATG, CVT.

Paula Clifford strongly believes in the empowerment of the individual
through knowledge resulting in the highest quality of care and use for
research animals. She has fourteen years experience in the laboratory
animal science industry, the last ten focused on developing,
implementing, providing, and assessing training programs in support of
animal based biomedical research. Paula has a Masters of Liberal Arts
from the University of Pennsylvania. Her graduate work focused primarily
in training program evaluation for animal care and use programs. She
obtained her Bachelors degree from Rutgers College, and an Associate’s
Degree in Applied Science (for Veterinary Technology) from Camden County
College. She is currently a licensed veterinary technician and AALAS
Certified as a Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist. In 2009, she
was recognized for her contributions to training in the laboratory
animal science field at National AALAS by being awarded the Collins
award. She is an active member of many organizations that promote
education.

Our promise is to engulf your work environment in optimism and empower creative thinking, while taking your staff on a journey to achieving their highest potential.